This document, “Community Support Systems for People with Severe Mental Disabilities” by John O’Brien, explores the challenges faced by individuals with severe mental disabilities and proposes a framework for creating inclusive, community-based support systems. It highlights the social isolation, economic struggles, and vulnerability to stress experienced by this group, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions […]
This document, “Alternative Forms of Influence” by John O’Brien, explores innovative approaches to planning and collaboration within human services, particularly for improving conditions for people with severe disabilities. It challenges traditional linear, top-down planning methods, which often rely on comprehensive solutions and centralized authority, and instead advocates for a dynamic, iterative process rooted in […]
This document explores the transformative journey of the New Paths to InclUsion network, which reached a pivotal moment in November 2015 as its EU-funded cycle concluded. It reflects on the network’s efforts to foster inclusion for people with disabilities by challenging societal norms, breaking institutional barriers, and creating new opportunities for autonomy and community […]
This document explores how person-centred partnerships can transform the lives of people with learning disabilities by breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration. It highlights the challenges rooted in societal discrimination, outdated service structures, resource limitations, and lack of teamwork among stakeholders. The solution lies in creating learning cycles where people with learning disabilities, […]
Changing the World, One Person at a Time: Reflections on the Final Session This insightful document explores how we can create positive change by focusing on generative practices at both personal and organizational levels. It emphasizes two approaches: adapting successful examples to fit our unique settings and testing practices to see if they […]
Cultivating Capacity II: A Guide to Person-Centered Practices This fieldbook, written by John O’Brien, is a practical resource for strengthening person-centered practices, particularly for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It explores how change-makers can transform systems to better align with the interests and preferences of the people they support. Drawing inspiration […]
This document, “Reviewing Organization Capacity for Person-Centered Work” by John O’Brien, is a thoughtful guide for organizations striving to deliver truly person-centered supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. It explores the creative tension between an organization’s vision for person-centered care and its current reality, emphasizing the importance of embracing this gap to foster learning […]
This document dives into “Model Coherency,” a key dimension of human service quality assessed by PASS 3, a tool developed by Wolfensberger and Glenn in 1975. It’s designed for those learning about PASS 3 in introductory workshops, emphasizing that true understanding comes from hands-on practice with a team. Unlike other PASS 3 ratings, […]
This document, “Reviewing Organization Capacity for Person-Centered Work” by John O’Brien, is a thoughtful guide for organizations striving to deliver truly person-centered supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. It explores the creative tension between an organization’s vision for person-centered care and its current reality, emphasizing the importance of embracing this gap to foster learning […]
Discovering the Dane County Difference: A Story of Social Innovation This document dives into the transformative social innovations in Dane County, Wisconsin, that have reshaped life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Over 40 years, Dane County has pioneered inclusive housing, supported employment, and self-directed services, creating opportunities for people to live independently, work […]